Blessing of the Bikes revs up again

MIO — Motorcycle enthusiasts will get a chance to show off their bikes and get a little added insurance at this year’s Blessing of the Bikes June 17.

Coordinator Cathy Klimmek said there will be activities for both bikers and non-bikers alike, including a slow ride where bikers will see how slow they can get their bike to go without letting their feet touch the ground. Pastor Jody Coon will be doing the blessing at the event. Klimmek said the event will also feature music, drawings and booths.

Klimmek said the event has been happening for more than 10 years and she and her husband Dave have headed it up since its inception.

Blessing of the Bikes committee member Wendy Fuhr said businesses in Oscoda County donate a variety of things for the drawings, ranging from T-shirts to river trips. Fuhr said about $800 in prizes will be raffled off.

Donations from the event go toward funding next year’s blessing. Some of the donations also go toward local nonprofits and community projects. Last year picnic tables at the Oscoda County Park were refurbished using donations from the event.

“We’ve donated to the Oscoda County Park to repair and replace some of their picnic tables because we use their picnic tables every year for the event,” Fuhr said.

Klimmek said it was about giving back to the community.

“They give to us and we want to give back,” she said.

Fuhr said typically about 300 turn out for the event, with some bikers coming from more than 200 miles away. She said there are bikers who stay with her each year from Luna Pier and Erie.

“The biggest thing is for people to come and enjoy themselves,” Klimmek said. “Get to know some new friends on bikes; just come and have a good time.”

The event will be held at the TriPoint Church of God at 10 a.m. The blessing will be held at 12:45 p.m. with a lunch at 1 p.m. There will be a ride at 2 p.m. followed by ice cream. The TriPoint is located at 831 W Miller Rd.

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